Epimedium hunanense

Epimedium hunanense, commonly known as a rare medicinal shrub, is an endemic species highly valued in traditional herbal medicine. Found in specific high-altitude habitats, it possesses unique bioactive compounds. Researchers are currently exploring its potential pharmacological properties, particularly its ability to provide therapeutic relief for various inflammatory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Epimedium hunanense
  • Family: Berberidaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Epimedium hunanense, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Berberidaceae and falls under the genus Epimedium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ranunculales WCVP
Family Berberidaceae WCVP
Genus Epimedium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Epimedium hunanense, is known by several common names depending on the language and region, specifically referred to as 湖南淫羊藿 in Chinese (zh), 湖南淫羊藿 in Simplified Chinese (zh-cn), and 湖南淫羊藿 in Traditional Chinese (zh-tw).
Language Common Name Source
zh 湖南淫羊藿 Wikidata
zh-cn 湖南淫羊藿 Wikidata
zh-tw 湖南淫羊藿 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Epimedium hunanense, exhibits a specific range within the diverse landscapes of China. Its presence is primarily concentrated in the South-Central region of the country. Additionally, the species can be found extending into the Southeast territories. This distribution pattern highlights its affinity for the unique subtropical climates found in these provinces. Consequently, understanding these specific locations is essential for the study of its natural habitat.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Epimedium hunanense, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through the use of its aerial parts. These above-ground components, which typically include the leaves, stems, and occasionally the flowering structures, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic effects. In traditional herbal practices, these aerial parts are harvested, dried, and processed to create extracts or decoctions, making the entire visible structure of the plant above the soil level the focal point of its medicinal application.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Epimedium hunanense has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include baohuoside I, epimedin C, icariin, icariin I, luteolin.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
baohuoside I 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epimedin C 1 ★☆☆☆☆
icariin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
icariin I 1 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercitrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
thalictoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tricin 1 ★☆☆☆☆